This Day in History: 1911-09-14
James Ward in his Curtis bi-plane flew over Mahwah along the Erie railroad tracks. He is attempting to be the first person to fly from coast to coast by plane. William Randolph Hearst of the New York American newspaper has offered a prize $50,000 to the first person to fly ocean-to-ocean within 30 days. Ward left New York September 13th, but he got lost and spent the night in Paterson after flying 100 miles. This morning he flew over Ramsey and Mahwah at about 9:35am. He landed at Sloatsburg to make a minor adjustment and ended in Calicoon, Penn. after a flight today of 135 miles. Another plane is suppose to leave for California and pass over Mahwah on the 16th or on the 17th. If this happens, the Ramsey Fire Bell will be rung. When Ward passed over Mahwah, the school children were let out and all businesses ceased as everyone came out of their homes to watch. (Bristow)